Introduction
In recent global events, the Vice President of India led an Indian delegation to Belgium to participate in the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), 2018 held in Brussels. The summit was themed ‘Global Partners for Global Challenges’, a testament to the inherent focus of the ASEM.
About Asia-Europe Meeting
Established in 1996 during its inaugural summit in Bangkok, Thailand, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is designed as an intergovernmental platform to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe. The first ASEM consisted of 15 EU member states and 7 ASEAN member states alongside China, Japan, Korea, and the European Commission. Today, it boasts of 53 partners; it includes 30 European, 21 Asian countries, the European Union, and the ASEAN Secretariat. The ASEM Summit, held biennially, represents approximately 62% of the global population, 57% of global GDP, and 60% of world trade.
Functioning and Characteristics of ASEM
Key characteristics of the ASEM process include its informal process of dialogue, providing an open forum for policymakers and officials to discuss any issue. It covers multi-dimensional issues and devotes equal weight to political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions. A key emphasis is on equal partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit, focusing on high-level meetings and people-to-people interactions.
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| Pillars of ASEM |
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| Political |
| Economic and Financial |
| Social, Cultural, and Education |
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India’s Association with ASEM
India officially joined ASEM during the 2nd ASEM expansion in 2006, with its first Summit level participation at the 7th Summit held in Beijing in 2008. India hosted the 11th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Delhi-NCR in 2013. ASEM presents an opportunity for India to work with like-minded countries.
Over the years, India has actively cooperated with ASEM in various areas including green energy, pharma sector, disaster management, sustainable development, and preserving cultural heritage. India has been a regular contributor to the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF), the permanently established institution of ASEM, since becoming a member in 2007.
Using the 12th summit platform, India addressed issues related to terrorism and stressed early adoption of the United Nations Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). India also urged cooperation on climate change, citing the ‘International Solar Alliance’ as a great example of Asia-Europe collaboration.
Issues Faced by ASEM
While positivity surrounded the initial years of ASEM, subsequent developments haven’t been substantial. One major criticism is a lack of concrete achievements. Along with poor public visibility, ASEM summits have become increasingly scripted and mundane with low attendance over the years.
The dialogue process hasn’t graduated from information sharing to substantial cooperation. There is ambiguity whether ASEM should be a state-to-state or region-to-region structure. This confusion reflects itself profusely in various ASEM contexts, undermining its overall principles and objectives.
Future Projections for ASEM
Despite the challenges, ASEM is still a valuable forum linking Asia and Europe. For better results, its principles and operations require re-evaluation. ASEM should be viewed from a long-term perspective. The dialogue from official summits to various conferences and workshops are building blocks towards a greater partnership. It is also vital to deliver tangible achievements that can be profiled in media to enhance public interest. These steps can ensure a better future for the ASEM.
